Before Customs: Your Car's Check List

When was the last your brake fluid was replaced? Consider flushing and replacing brake fluid if it has been more than two years ago. Brake fluids are hygroscopic, which means they absorb moisture from the atmosphere. This brings down the boiling point of brake fluid and reduces its efficiency. Under prolonged hard braking, you may experience brake fade, which is the loss of braking power. Moreover, air can be trapped in the brake lines over time resulting in spongy brake pedal feel and even less braking power.

You should also check your brake pads and replace them if there are signs that they are wearing out. These include lots brake dust on your rims, loud noises when braking and on inspection, visible signs that the material is wearing thin.

Ascertain that the tyre pressure for your ride is good. If in doubt, the owner’s manual or the sticker that is on the driver’s door frame indicates the optimum pressure to pump for your front and back tyres.

Examine the tyre treads. A worn off tread is limited in its effectiveness in providing traction and a tyre with more tread will reduce aqua-planing whilst travelling on wet roads.

At the same time, ensure that the tyres are well balanced as vibrations can be felt and transmitted during high speed travels, leading to a more uncomfortable ride.

Some tyre shops will also be able to perform wheel alignment for you if you feel that your steering wheel has a tendency to turn towards one side when in motion.

Finally, do an all-round inspection to ensure that your lights are functioning. This is of paramount importance especially when you drive up or down the North-South Highway at night.

If your car is not common in Malaysia, it may be well worth the effort to take note of any critical issues your vehicle commonly has, and purchase the spare part from the stockist to bring along your road trip. This ensures that you will be able to get your car fixed in a Malaysian workshop in the event that the part breaks down. Consider this the more prudent choice nstead of forking out excess cash to have the car towed back from Malaysia to Singapore.

Think all of that is too much to do? A road trip puts a car through the wringer, and if there are any problems lurking below the surface, you can be sure they'll rise up to bite you in the behind.

Taking the time to give your car an inspection before leaving for your holiday will give you peace of mind and save you a lot of trouble along the way so you can enjoy your vacation without any stress.

Credits: Valerie Tan